Dick Van Dyke, 98, has canceled his appearance at the upcoming FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, just days after missing the 2024 Emmy Awards, where he was scheduled to present. The convention, which takes place from Sept. 26-28, announced the news on social media on Saturday, Sept. 21, expressing the legendary actor’s gratitude to fans but noting that at nearly 99, traveling and interacting with large crowds has become too challenging.
Fans who purchased photo ops with Van Dyke, who last attended the event in 2017, have the option to exchange for another guest or request a refund. Van Dyke’s absence from the Emmys followed his win at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards, where his birthday special Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic won for outstanding variety special (pre-recorded). He attended the Sept. 7 ceremony with his wife, Arlene Silver, and shared his hopes of being remembered for making people laugh for 75 years.
In June, Van Dyke also made history as the oldest Daytime Emmy winner for his guest role on Days of Our Lives, where he credited co-star Drake Hogestyn for helping him land the part. Despite his absence, Van Dyke continues to leave a lasting legacy.
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